WEP 259: Lifted to Lead: Resilience and Advocacy with Dr. Stefan Bean

This is the Wired Educator Podcast Episode 259, my interview with Dr. Stefan Bean, Superintendent of the Orange County Department of Education in California.

Dr. Bean’s story is one of the most powerful leadership journeys you will ever hear. From surviving the Vietnam War as a child refugee and overcoming polio to becoming the superintendent responsible for supporting more than 450,000 students, his story is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact educators can have. His new book, Lifted to Lead is available NOW.

This conversation explores resilience, leadership, empathy, and the importance of shifting from a deficit mindset to an asset mindset in education. If you believe every student has potential waiting to be unlocked, this episode will inspire you.

You are going to love this episode.

Listen to the episode

Wired Educator Podcast Episode 259: Lifted to Lead: Resilience and Advocacy with Dr. Stefan Bean: Listen here: https://sites.libsyn.com/64475/wep-259-lifted-to-lead-resilience-and-advocacy-with-dr-stefan-bean-hosted-by-kelly-croy

Watch the YouTube video here: (It’s loading up right now. Subscribe and never miss.)

About Dr. Stefan Bean

Dr. Stefan Bean has dedicated more than 28 years to serving students and communities across Southern California as a teacher, principal, and educational leader.

In June 2024, the Orange County Board of Education unanimously appointed him as the 12th Superintendent of Schools for Orange County, a role that dates back to 1889.

Dr. Bean’s leadership philosophy is deeply influenced by his personal experiences as an English language learner and a student with a disability. His journey began as a refugee during the Vietnam War when he was brought to the United States through Operation Babylift.

Today he is a passionate advocate for English learners, marginalized students, and every child who needs someone to believe in them.

His story is living proof that when educators lift students up, those students can go on to lift others.

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Lifted to Lead

Dr. Bean’s new book, Lifted to Lead, tells the incredible story of his journey from a Saigon orphanage to becoming one of the most influential educational leaders in California.

The book introduces his Lifted Leadership framework, a model that encourages leaders to build authentic relationships, cultivate hope, and unlock the potential in others.

Leadership, as Dr. Bean explains, is about helping others discover what they are capable of becoming.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

Some powerful ideas from our conversation include:

• The importance of asset-based thinking and recognizing the strengths within every student

• Why relationships are the foundation of learning and leadership

• How resilience and community support can help students overcome enormous challenges

• A preview of Dr. Bean’s LIFTED leadership framework, including the importance of listening and inspiring

• Why schools must value career and technical education alongside college pathways

• How educators can thoughtfully use Artificial Intelligence as an assistant for creativity and learning

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Words of Wisdom for Educators

One of the most powerful ideas Dr. Bean shared during our conversation was this:

Education will unlock the potential in you, but more powerful, education will unlock the potential of others through you.

Every student needs someone who believes in them.

For Dr. Bean, that person was his teacher Mr. Geisinger, who saw something special in him when others might have overlooked it.

Educators have that same opportunity every day.

You can whisper possibility into a student’s ear and change the trajectory of their life forever.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Stefan Bean and the scope of Orange County education

01:11 Operation Babylift and Dr. Bean’s early life

03:20 The influence of his father on his path into education

04:58 The teacher who changed everything: Mr. Geisinger

08:16 Overcoming bullying and finding his voice

11:04 Advice for educators working with non-verbal students

14:02 Addressing chronic absenteeism and literacy challenges

18:15 The LIFTED Leadership Framework

23:03 Learning and leadership in the age of Artificial Intelligence

Connect and Learn More

To learn more about Dr. Stefan Bean and the Orange County Department of Education, visit:

www.OCDE.us

About the Host

Kelly Croy is the host of the Wired Educator Podcast, a speaker, author, and Director of Innovation and Instruction. Kelly works with schools and districts across the country on leadership, culture, and growth.

Kelly Croy’s website:
https://kellycroy.com

Kelly’s book, Along Came a Leader

To learn more about having Kelly Croy speak at your event, visit his website to connect.

Thank you for listening and for being part of this community. It is always a great day to be a Wired Educator.

You are awesome!

Kelly

I would like to speak at your event!

I love opening day keynotes to school districts and conferences, workshops with leaders and any opportunity to help educators reignite their passion, build stronger connections with students and colleagues, improve instruction, and level up as leaders. I hope YOU will reach out to ME!

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker

Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com

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